Round over router bit for doing edges?

Hey guys,

I was looking at a couple of strats in the week and for some reason it got me wondering about how people round over their edges? I've watched videos of people doing it with files, and I've definitely seen one or two videos of people using routers, but the ones I'd seen were all to give a decorative edge.

The edges on the strats were really uniformly rounded (which you'd expect), but it also struck me that the curve is probably about the same as a roundover bit I have lying around. Is there any reason not to use the router bit? It would certainly make life easier if it was a viable alternative to the file.

I think the round over will do fine, depending on the radius, that’s how I’ve seen most used.

A good look at some of those factory tours on YouTube has many builders using router bits to round over the edges of their S types. Just need to pick the right radius and bearing size ...

I think Teles are 1/4" radius and Strats 1/2", though it's probably changed a bit over the years. Well, you've obviously got to change the bit because it will wear out after a while.

Thanks guys, this is really helpful. I'm pretty sure I have a 1/4" bit somewhere (or the metric equivalent), so will dredge the shed and find it.

Carved/arched tops and tummy/elbow cuts can complicate matters and may necessitate more elaborate setups.

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Originally Posted by WeirdBits

Carved/arched tops and tummy/elbow cuts can complicate matters and may necessitate more elaborate setups.

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Ah, that's a thought. Any idea for how to tackle the elbow cut if using the router?

For an elbow cut on a Strat or Tele I'd use either a plane, electric plane or a belt sander, rather than a router. You'd spend far too long making up jigs to hold the body at an angle, compared to simply getting on with it. A rasp is another alternative, and probably best for doing tummy cuts as that's a far more complex shape so required a narrower cutting surface.

Hmmm, I think the plywood has already shown a tendency for tear outs and whilst slow and painful 80 grit sandpaper, cork block, and lots of elbow grease might be the way to go. That is how I rounded off my Swampy Tele and the current MMB4 builds. As for elbow and tummy cuts an electric sander may be better as it would cut through much quicker but would probably suggest using 120 grit due to the angles required that could be prone to massive erosion in an uneven manner if attacked too aggressively.

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Originally Posted by Simon Barden

For an elbow cut on a Strat or Tele I'd use either a plane, electric plane or a belt sander, rather than a router. You'd spend far too long making up jigs to hold the body at an angle, compared to simply getting on with it. A rasp is another alternative, and probably best for doing tummy cuts as that's a far more complex shape so required a narrower cutting surface.

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That makes sense - guess I was just hoping for some simple (read 'easy') solution

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Originally Posted by wazkelly

Hmmm, I think the plywood has already shown a tendency for tear outs and whilst slow and painful 80 grit sandpaper, cork block, and lots of elbow grease might be the way to go. That is how I rounded off my Swampy Tele and the current MMB4 builds. As for elbow and tummy cuts an electric sander may be better as it would cut through much quicker but would probably suggest using 120 grit due to the angles required that could be prone to massive erosion in an uneven manner if attacked too aggressively.

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Yeah, fair call. I was actually thinking more for the ST jnr build on the go for my son, so no ply issues there (thank god)

Does anyone have any idea what radius the edge of the LP jnr should have?

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Originally Posted by JohnH

Does anyone have any idea what radius the edge of the LP jnr should have?

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3/8ths of an inch (about 9.5mm) for the earlier ones (50s and 60s) and 1/4" for later models.

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Originally Posted by pablopepper

3/8ths of an inch (about 9.5mm) for the earlier ones (50s and 60s) and 1/4" for later models.

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Sweet, thanks heaps Pabs